Texas weather, during the month of August is known for their scorching HOT temperatures. Well, that wasn't the only thing scorching the weekend of August 21st and 22nd at The Billiard Den in Richardson, Texas. The OB Cues Ladies Tour held their 6th tour stop of this 2010 season and the heat was on for sure. Thirty-six ladies were treated with warm and friendly faces along with all of our tour sponsors, supporters, friends and family. Larry and Marci Rothberg, owners of The Billiard Den, were doing their best to keep everyone cool and we are so grateful and appreciative for the superb hospitality shown by all of their staff. The Billiard Den has been one of our host sites for the last 4 years and we know everyone always look forward to their delicious food, drinks, karaoke, ping-pong and great pool adventures. Thank you Billiard Den for all you do!
As our tour point rankings this year have been too close for comfort, top players were ready to widen the gap in the standings. Lisa Marr, Little Rock, Arkansas-current tour champion as well as 2008 tour champion, was only ahead of Jennifer Kraber, Austin, Texas, by 35 points. These two players have been neck and neck all year and this past weekend wasn't any different. Other top tour players Tara Williams, Ashley Nandrasy, Orietta Strickland and Amanda Lampert were also present and surely had plans to mix-up the rankings as well. But by the end of the Saturday, eight players were returning in the Main Event and the others would be licking their wounds or preparing for the Second Chance tournament on Sunday. Top 8 players for Sunday were Jennifer Kraber vs. Orietta Strickland and Lisa Marr vs. Michelle Cortez on the Winner's side. The B-side would be Lisa Henderson-Major vs. Angela Garza and Julie Stephenson vs. Julie Comitini.
It was Jennifer Kraber vs. Lisa Marr for the hot seat match and the hard fought, pressure-packed win went to Jennifer in an exciting hill-hill finish. Angela Garza and Julie Comitini finished 7th/8th; Michelle Cortez and Lisa Henderson-Major finished 5th/6th, Orietta Strickland finished 4th and OB Cues Ladies Tour Board Member Julie Stephenson had an awesome event and finished 3rd place. It was her highest finish in a long, long time and she played superbly. Fantastic finish Julie!
Jennifer Kraber, who just this year has been in the finals 3 other times, considered herself “always a bridesmaid, never a bride”. Well, she can now put that baby to rest as she defeated Lisa Marr in the finals with a score of 7-3. Jennifer has been an ever present, consistent player on the OB Cues Ladies Tour and this year she is taking the tour by storm. With her 1st tour win ever since playing when it was the Hunter Classics Amateur Tour and now OB Cues Ladies Tour, and she is at the top in the rankings. Congratulations Jennifer, you've worked hard and so deserving of the top honors. Excellent job!
A Second Chance event always held on Sunday featured 11 players with Amanda Lampert taking the 1st place prize and Tracie Voelkering finished 2nd. We would like to extend special thanks to Don Owen/Royce Bunnell of OB Cues, our title sponsor, for their continued support. Be sure to check out all their products at www.obcues.com. Also thank you to The Billiard Den and to all our fans and supporters.
Our next tour stop will be at Rusty's in Arlington, TX the weekend of September 11th & 12th. We hope to see you there. Visit us at www.obcuestour.com for more information. Good Pool, Good Friends, Good Times!!!
